And those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good. 29:69 The Quran

Tens of Thousands Gather

in Liberation Square

Syed Javed Hussain

Tens of thousands gather in Liberation Square in Egypt today on Feb 4, 2011 demanding Mubarak’s immediate departure from Egypt. Under the watchful eyes of the whole world the Egyptians, fired up by their successes last week, put forth their demands in unequivocal terms. Similar demonstrations are being held in other parts of the country including Ismailia and Suez, east of Cairo, and in other Nile Delta cities.

In the pictures, being flashed on Al-Jazeera and other TV channels, people are shown vociferously calling for Mubarak’s resignation and repeal of emergency laws, change in the government and the constitution. The day has been termed as the ‘day of departure’.

Pro Democracy Movement Took Bloody Turn

Last Friday Jan 28, 2011 at the same place people’s movement had bloodier turn when security personnel disguised as Mubarak’s supporters attached pro-democracy demonstrators and started a bloody cycle of violence that continued for the next five days. Scores of demonstrators lost their lives, and hundreds of them got all kinds of injuries. People even succumbed to their injuries in hospitals.

Eleven days ago on Jan 25, 2011 a spontaneous anti Mubarak mass movement was started in Egypt, and like a jungle fire, it engulfed the whole country. According to the Reuter it was a ‘day of wrath’ of the people and the anti-government demonstrations were ‘inspired by the downfall of Tunisia's President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali on Jan 14, 2011.’

Mubarak has tried all means to control the situation that has already slipped out of his hands. He sacked the prime minister and his whole cabinet on Jan 29, 2011 but failed to pacify people’s wrath because their anger was directed on him as people only blamed him for all the ills Egypt had fallen into due to his dictatorial regime. According to Al-Jazeera International, Mubarak has said that ‘he wants to leave the office but fears Egypt would sink into chaos.’

Day of Departure for Mubarak

February 4, 2011, today, has been branded as the ‘departure day for Mubarak’ and people are holding country-wide protests. The focal point of the movement, as well as the media, however, is the Liberation Square (Tahrir Square), in the centre of Cairo where tens of thousands have gathered demanding immediate resignation of Mr Hosni Mubarak.

Even though, Mr. Mubarak has promised that he and his son will not seek reelection, originally expected to be held in September 2011, people are not content with any promise from the President and are adamant in demanding his removal from his office forthwith.

Mohamed ElBaradei Demands Mubarak's Resignation

According to Al-Jazeera International, reform campaigner and former head of the IAEA Mohamed ElBaradei who arrived in Cairo on Jan 27, 2011 has also demanded Mubarak’s resignation. He told the media today Feb 4, 2011 that ‘he is in contact with opposition and is working on a new constitution.’ Secretary General of the UN Mr. Ban Ki-moon has said that ‘transition in Egypt should begin now’.

In the wake of largely successful jasmine revolution in Tunisia, Arab lands, already seething with discontent due to economic malaise, dearth of civil rights, corruption in governments and dictatorial nature of regimes, are seeing upheavals of unprecedented nature.﻿﻿

Information

Eleven days ago on Jan 25, 2011 a spontaneous anti Mubarak mass movement was started in Egypt, and like a jungle fire, it engulfed the whole country. According to the Reuter it was a ‘day of wrath’ of the people and the anti-government demonstrations were ‘inspired by the downfall of Tunisia's President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali on Jan 14, 2011.’﻿